PPG wants to inspire more women to work in technical fields. While that is proving to be difficult in Brazil, the company is investing in change.
'Girls in Tech' boosts Sumaré STEM education
As part of the company's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) initiative, PPG Brazil has partnered with non-profit Casa Hacker to offer a pioneering program called “Girls in Tech" in the Sumaré, Brazil area.
“We hope this initiative will result in more young women becoming interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topics and, down the road, will result in more female scientists," said Raquel Klemz, leader, Communications, Latin America South (LAS).
This program offers training in technology-related subjects totally free of charge. Classes include the study of electronics, computer programming, robotics and 3D printing.
Casa Hacker chose 20 high school girls to participate from among the applicants interviewed. All live near PPG's Sumaré coatings manufacturing plant and meet certain demographic and behavior-related requirements.
On the first day of classes, Marcio Grossman, PPG general manager, LAS, joined Klemz in meeting with the girls and their families at Casa Hacker for a welcoming event. They made presentations about STEM education being a priority for PPG's community engagement.
Classes, which began in March, are taking place after school three times per week through December 2022.
To learn more about how PPG supports future STEM leaders, click here.